Temple (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-4)
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2 PM, ESPN, Dec. 17, Albuquerque, NM
Why Watch: A game of strength versus weakness. One of the best rushing team’s squares off against one of the worst rush defense teams in the country. Temple makes its second bowl appearance in a three year span, after years of being college football’s doormat. Wyoming’s four losses have come to bowl teams – Nebraska, Utah State, Boise State and TCU.
Who to Watch: The games top player will be Temple running back Bernard Pierce. One of the best kept secrets in college football, the senior tailback rushed for 1,381 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. For Wyoming, it’s easy to say dynamic freshman quarterback Brett Smith, but the more important player to the Cowboys success will be defensive end Josh Biezuns. Biezuns is a high motor player who racked in nine and a half tackles for loss and five sacks on the season.
How it’s Going Down: Neither team was supposed to get to this point in the season. The Owls had just lost the coach that turned their program around, while the Cowboys looked far from anything but a building team with freshman in charge. Thanks to grit and guts, however, both are looking for nine win seasons. Sadly for Wyoming, its No. 115 ranked rush defense is an open wound to Pierce and the Owls to pry at, giving Temple the win in Albuquerque. Pick: Temple 32 – Wyoming 23
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Ohio (9-4) vs. Utah State (7-5)
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5:30 PM, ESPN, Dec. 17, Boise, ID
Why Watch: The Bowl sounds like a dish at KFC, but the game should actually leave you with a better feeling in your gut. Utah State has won five straight to become bowl eligible. The Bobcats play on opening weekend for the second year in a row. If nothing else, watch because of the Blue turf.
Who to Watch: For the Aggies, it has to be WAC offensive player of the year Robert Turbin. The senior running back rushed for 1,416 yards and scored 19 touchdowns on the season. He’s been Utah State’s workhorse. Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton has been the leader and top scorer for the Bobcats, but wideout LaVon Brazill has been the big play threat. Brazill racked up 1,036 yards and 10 scores to go along with a 15.9 average.
How it’s Going Down: Of the Aggies five losses, the first three came by a combined eight points, including a four point loss to defending National Champion Auburn the first week of the season. The Aggies are a physical team that will look to pound Ohio straight on all game long. The Bobcats are a big play offense led by Tettleton, having scored 30 or more points in seven games this season. This one should be a cold, gritty, grudge match, though, giving the upper hand to the physical play of Turban and the Aggies. Pick: Utah State 28 – Ohio 20
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
San Diego State (8-4) vs. Louisiana Lafayette (8-4)
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9 PM, ESPN, Dec. 17, New Orleans, LA
Why Watch: When’s the last time, or next time, you’ll be able to see Louisiana Lafayette play in a bowl? The answer to half of that question is 40 years - the last time the Rajin’ Cajuns’ played in the postseason. The Aztecs make a bowl for the second straight year, the first time in school history they’ve played in back-to-back bowl games.
Who to Watch: You’ve never heard of La. Lafayette quarterback Blaine Gautier, but he’ll make his name known come Saturday. The junior accounted for 2,952 total yards this season and 23 scores. Against rival Louisiana-Monroe, Gautier amassed 414 total yards and four scores. You won’t be able to miss running back Ronnie Hillman for the Aztecs, he’ll be everywhere. Keep a closer eye on linebacker Miles Burris, though. The senior led the team in tackles (72) while bringing in 19 stops behind the line and eight sacks.
How it’s Going Down: Get ready for some points on the scoreboard. Led by Hillman in the backfield and quarterback Ryan Lindley, the Aztecs can score with the best in the country. On the other side, the Rajin’ Cajuns’ have scored 30 or more points in nine games this season, including 34 at Oklahoma State and 37 at Arizona. The difference here should be the Aztecs senior leadership and playmaking ability of Hillman in the backfield. The Cajuns’ won’t go down easy, however. Pick: San Diego State 38 – Louisiana Lafayette 34
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